Intra-Afghan talks to decide future political system: Baradar

KABUL (Pajhwok): Taliban’s Qatar Office head Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar has said that future political system of Afghanistan would be discussed during intra-Afghan talks and any statement or claim in this regard would be premature at this stage.

“We understand that the world and Afghans have apprehensions and questions about the form of the system to be established following withdrawal of foreign troops,” said Mullah Baradar in a statement.

“A genuine Islamic system is the best means for solution of all issues of the Afghans,” he said. “Our very participation in the negotiations and support on our part indicates openly that we believe in resolving issues through (mutual) understanding.”

He added that women and minorities would be protected and diplomats and NGO workers would be able to work securely.

“We take it on ourselves as a commitment to accommodate all rights of citizens of our country, whether they are male or female, in the light of the rules of the glorious religion of Islam and the noble traditions of the Afghan society,” he said, adding that ‘facilities would be provided’ for women to work and be educated.

It is not clear whether the Taliban would allow women to carry out public roles and whether workplaces and schools would be segregated by gender.

The group’s spokesperson did not immediately respond to request for comment.

In May, US intelligence analysts released an assessment that the Taliban “would roll back much” of the progress made in Afghan women’s rights if they regained national power.

Before being ousted in the 2001 US-led invasion, the Taliban imposed a harsh version of Islamic rule that included barring girls from school and women from working outside their homes and prohibiting them from being in public without a male relative.

Nh/ma